U.S. Delegation heads to Saudi Arabia for Russia-Ukraine talks
A high-level delegation from U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration is set to begin negotiations in Saudi Arabia.
U.S. officials announced that these talks aim to resolve the ongoing Ukraine conflict, involving both Russian and Ukrainian representatives.
Moreover, the delegation will be led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff.
This initiative follows President Trump’s recent announcement about his first conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin since returning to office.
According to Trump, the two leaders agreed to pursue discussions on a ceasefire in Ukraine.
Details regarding the specific timing of the talks and the delegation’s travel schedule remain undisclosed.
Rubio had already planned to visit Saudi Arabia as part of his inaugural tour of the Middle East, however.
Therefore, his trip aimed to strengthen diplomatic relations and discuss regional issues during this significant visit.
His trip began on Saturday with a stop in Israel, where he met with regional leaders, according to reports from an AFP journalist.
Earlier on Saturday, Rubio held a phone call with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
During the conversation, Rubio emphasized President Trump’s commitment to resolving the conflict in Ukraine, according to the U.S. State Department. This commitment underlines the administration’s focus on diplomatic solutions and international cooperation during such critical times.
Earlier this week, Steve Witkoff, a former real estate developer and key delegation member, played a crucial role in facilitating a prisoner exchange deal.
His efforts exemplified the strategic maneuvers necessary for successful diplomatic negotiations and built trust among involved parties.
Furthermore, the agreement reportedly established the groundwork for Trump’s call with Putin.
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Notably, Witkoff traveled to Moscow to negotiate the release of U.S. detainee Marc Fogel, which underscores his significant role in high-stakes diplomacy and international relations.
In a social media post earlier this week, President Trump disclosed that he had assigned Rubio, Waltz, Witkoff, and CIA Director John Ratcliffe to expedite peace negotiations with Russia.
This proactive measure illustrates the administration’s urgency in addressing the ongoing conflict and pursuing strategic dialogue.
The announcement marks a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy priorities under Trump’s leadership, emphasizing direct engagement with Moscow.
The move has drawn mixed reactions internationally.
Kyiv and its European allies are expressing concerns about being sidelined in negotiations that may shape Ukraine’s future.
Moreover, they worry that exclusion from these discussions could undermine their influence and impact on the outcome.
European leaders have expressed concern about Trump’s unilateral approach, especially regarding Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine.
This conflict is the most significant military engagement in Europe since World War II.
Although the Trump administration’s actions indicate a renewed emphasis on diplomacy, critics caution against excluding crucial stakeholders.
They argue that omitting Ukraine and its European partners may hinder a sustainable resolution.
In the coming days, we will see if this bold initiative can lead to meaningful progress in ending the war in Ukraine.
